Midlands mental health professionals unsurprised by mass increase of cases in young people
Nearly 200,000 kids have been sent to mental health services in the past three months
Councillors and psychologists from the West Midlands say that the record number of young people in England seeking mental health support is an expected impact of Covid-19.
In just three months, almost 200,000 youngsters were referred to mental health services - nearly double pre-pandemic levels.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists say figures show that the pandemic is taking its toll on children and young people.
The College analysed NHS Digital data on mental health referrals for children and young people aged 18 and under.
It found that between April and June this year, 190,271 children aged 18 and under were referred to children and young people's mental health services - almost twice the number referred during the same period in 2019.
West Midlands' mental health professionals say upturn in cases is expected
Carole Palmer, a counsellor in Wolverhampton who has 16 years experience working with children, says she's not surprised that cases have risen:
“The mental health of the nation has deteriorated. There’s an increase in domestic violence, increase in suicide, depression, anxiety. Even if we’re quite introverted we do need some social contact.”
She is also optimistic that cases among young people will decrease now they're allowed back in school:
“The feelings that were there during the pandemic have subsided because they’re back in their normal routine and they can go and see their friends. For most it’s kind of righted itself.”
Alan Neelds, a psychologist from Solihull, says the increase in mental health referrals in kids is linked to the impact of Covid on their families:
"There’s been many many people affected by Covid. We’re seeing large numbers of children who’s parents or grandparents have either died or been seriously ill from Covid. This is creating stress and anxiety."
Twice as many children now seeking support
From April to June in 2019, 5,219 children and young people were referred for urgent support. This rose to 8,552 in 2021, the Royal College of Psychiatrists said.
At the end of June, a total of 340,694 people were in contact with children and young people's mental health services - a rise from 225,480 in June 2019.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said that early help for youngsters is "key to recovery'' as it called on newly appointed Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to prioritise children and young people's mental health.
The College said that schools should have plans in place to respond to pupils' mental health needs.
And there must be an increase in investment in staff training to improve the roll-out of Mental Health Support Teams, it added.
"Early intervention is key to recovery"
Dr Elaine Lockhart, chair of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
"These alarming figures reflect what I and many other frontline psychiatrists are seeing in our clinics on a daily basis.
"The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the nation's mental health, but it's becoming increasingly clear that children and young people are suffering terribly.
"Early intervention is key to recovery. Schools have a critical role to play in this and the Education Secretary must do all that he can to prioritise pupils' mental health.
"Children's mental health services must also be properly funded and properly staffed if we are to treat the ever-growing number needing mental health care. Without investment we run the risk of many more needing crisis help.''
Resources
If your child is struggling with their mental health, here are some free apps that could help...
My Possible Self
Designed by the NHS, 'My Possible Self' allows you to track your mental health and gives you activities to try if you're feeling low.
For Me
For Me is a free app created by Childline which gives young people a private space to monitor their mental health and access resources to help.
Calm Zone
Childline's Clam zone offers some free, easy tips to help tackle anxiety and feel calmer.
Kooth
Kooth is a free downloadable app that can offer free, online 1-1 counselling for children and help track their mental health.
The Mix
The Mix offers expert advice to young people under 25 about anxiety, relationships, eating disorders, self-harm and more.